Who says you have to sacrifice your creature comforts on a glamping break – glamping itself is defined as “glamourous camping” and Northern Ireland has lots of options to suit your tastes. There is no sleeping on lumpy ground here! Instead, you can take a trip of a lifetime and have the best of both worlds by embracing the great outdoors with all the amenities and home comforts you need for a relaxing break away.
Where nature meets modern luxury, you have the option to camp in style and enjoy peaceful stays in picturesque settings with the added luxuries of beds, electricity, toilets, hot tubs and fire pits. Fall asleep under the stars and toast marshmallows round an open fire with the whole family.
As well as glamping, Northern Ireland also has some unique accommodation for you to bed down in for a much-deserved break. Anyone fancy a night in a fairy forest or staying in the bottom of a mountain?
County Antrim
Let’s Go Hydro Resort, Belfast
With 40 glamping pods to choose from, including a Boat House and Floating Lake Pod, this alternative accommodation can cater for individuals, families and large groups. A unique ‘Glampsite’, only 20 minutes from Belfast also has everything you need to submerge yourself in an aqua adventure. Make a splash at Ireland’s largest inflatable aqua park or cable water sports park or why not try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and a huge range of water sports. https://letsgohydro.com/
Look out for: Relax your adrenaline levels with the drive-in movie experience.
Causeway Country Pods, Bushmills
A weekend getaway at these unique pods, each with a private hot tub, sounds like bliss to us. Sleeping two adults, the floor-to-ceiling double glazed windows let the outside in and allow you to wake up admiring views across lush green farmland and the ever-changing landscape. https://causewaycountrypods.com/
Look out for: Order a breakfast or BBQ meat pack.
3* Causeway Coast Holiday Park – Glamping Lodges, Ballycastle
Ideally placed within the holiday park, detached and spacious lodges have their own veranda, which is great for family get-togethers. The two-bedroom lodge sleeps up to four people, one double room and a set of bunk beds in the single room. The Glamping Lodge has a galley style kitchen which includes an oven hob with grill, and a microwave. The Holiday Park is only a short walk from the beach in Ballycastle and within easy reach of all the local shops and pubs. https://www.hagansleisure.co.uk
Look out for: Stunning views, indoor heated swimming pool on site.
County Fermanagh
4* Further Space at Carrickreagh Bay, Enniskillen
Set directly looking out to the renowned Lough Erne, simply walk down to Carrickreagh Jetty to enjoy the serene beauty of the Lough. Just a short walk away is direct access to the Ely Lodge Forest, which is a 250-hectare forest. These unique pods are for up to four people (two adults and two kids) with a comfy double bed and hotel-quality bedlinen included, plus integrated bunkbeds tucked away, ideal for tweens or teens. https://further.space/location/carrickreagh/
Look out for: Fire pits and outdoor dining facilities.
County Londonderry
4* Benone Getaways – Glamping Village, Limavady
The site is made up of six glamping pods, five luxury and one exclusive pod with its own private area and hot tub. All pods will have access to a unique firepit and BBQ cabin that can be used by guests to cook a meal or enjoy a glass of wine around the fire. Set in a stunning location only a couple of minutes’ walk away from a seven- mile blue flagged beach, this stay has scenic views of Binevenagh Mountain and the Hills of Donegal. https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Look out for: Hot Tubs, BBQ hut, fire pits.
Carntogher Cabins, Maghera
Located on the McEldowney family farm in the rural setting of Maghera, there are four self-catering cabins to choose from, all of which feature a spacious seating area, kitchen and bathroom with shower and a separate bedroom area. The accommodation offers magnificent views overlooking the Sperrin Mountains and the Cabins are a short distance via paths to the walking route of the Carntogher History Trail. The area contains a wealth of sites of archaeological and environmental importance, such as the Giant’s Cave. https://www.carntoghercabins.com/
Look out for: Stunning views.
Carrowmena Activity Centre & Glamping, Limavady
At the foot of Binevenagh Mountain, Carrowmena Activity Centre offers different style unique accommodation options specifically for families with furnished Bell Tents, a Carrowmena Deluxe Bell Tent and six upgraded Glamping Pods. There is so much to do on site with the highlight being the famous ‘Maize Maze’ onsite in July and August plus complimentary Orienteering for all guests. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, raft building, archery, climbing Wall, and a zip line – endless options for all the family to enjoy! https://carrowmena.co.uk/
Look out for: The Maize maze challenge and onsite coffee pods.
Log Cabins at Fairy Glen, Coleraine
A magical setting, these cabins transport you to a world away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Named Sunshine, Lavender and Sweetheart, they all include a kitchenette, access to Netflix and a shared outside seating area with a fire pit and area to BBQ. For the children, there is a tree house and a climbing frame with a slide, swings and Fairy Forest. Adults also have access to a hot tub in this communal space. Why not unwind even further in the yoga studio situated in the middle of the Fairy Forest where classes are held throughout the week. https://www.thefairyglen.com/
Look out for: Cabins available, hot-tub, tree house, fire pit and outdoor cooking area.
County Down
4* Further Space at Rathwood Farm
Rathwood Farm Project is the beginning of a bigger conservation project nestled in the Mourne region with sapling Christmas trees, woodland and wildlife all around. Sleeping four (two adults, two children), the luxury pods offer a dedicated fire pit with outdoor seating and are located just 15 minutes from Newry. This brand new addition to the further.space offering opens on April 30th. https://further.space/location/
Look out for: Order a bag of wood, kindling sticks, fire lighters and some mega marshmallows.
*All accommodation featured holds the We’re Good to Go industry standard which shows they have agreed to comply with Covid-19 safety guidelines.
For more information on great places to visit when it is safe to do so, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. With many places to stay less than two hours from Dublin, Northern Ireland’s giant welcome will be there when it is safe for us to travel again.
